Tempest in the Rankings Teapot: An African Perspective

Authors

  • Damtew Teferra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2017.91.10132

Keywords:

Rankings, universities, Africa, developing countries, data analysts

Abstract

According to the Times Higher Education, “the reputation league table is based on nothing more than subjective judgment.” QS also states that 60 percent of its scores are dependent on reputation, thus subjective. What is depressingly astonishing, however, is how seriously the world of higher education (and beyond) takes these self-serving businesses, which use defective and flawed instruments year in and year out. This piece provides yet another evidence on their utter failure in their purported role as gatekeepers of quality.

Author Biography

Damtew Teferra

Damtew Teferra is professor of higher education, leader of Higher
Education and Training Development, and founding director
of the International Network for Higher Education in Africa,
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 

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Published

2017-09-02

How to Cite

Teferra, D. (2017). Tempest in the Rankings Teapot: An African Perspective. International Higher Education, (91), 18–20. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2017.91.10132

Issue

No. 91: Fall 2017

Section

Africa Focus

License

Copyright (c) 2017 International Higher Education

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